2023 Events Guide Transitions You to Even More Fun
September
From outdoor concerts and farmers markets by the river to oyster roasts and art shows, there’s someone for everyone to love this month.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Concert
Saturday, Sept. 2
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Sit back and enjoy a concert under the stars! The Virginia Symphony Orchestra returns to Riverwalk Landing for this 25th annual outdoor concert. Arrive early–the award-winning Fifes and Drums of York Town take the stage at 6 p.m. for a festive performance, and blue ribbons will be awarded to the most creative picnic set-ups prior to the event.
During this year’s performance, the orchestra will take guests on a musical journey around the world, playing pieces from Ireland, Germany, France, throughout the African diaspora, across Russia and Asia, and then back home to the Americas.
The volunteer-run Celebrate Yorktown Committee works diligently to raise the money needed to offer this special evening of music for FREE to the community.
Rhythms on the Riverwalk
Thursdays, Sept. 7 – Oct. 12
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Put on your cozy flannel shirt, fill up your thermos with cider (hard or regular), and snuggle up with your fleece blanket to join fellow concert-goers at Riverwalk Landing to catch one of these jazz, blues, big band, or country bands:
⦁ September 7: HM Johnson Band
⦁ September 14: Runnin’ Shine
⦁ September 21: The Michael Clark Band
⦁ September 28: The Heather Edwards Band
⦁ October 5: County Seat Band
⦁ October 12: Good Shot Judy
TIP: Take the Yorktown Trolley on concert nights (until 9 p.m.) when you park behind York Hall, the York-Poquoson Courthouse, or the County Administration Building.
Yorktown Market Days – First Responders Market
Saturday, Sept. 9
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There won’t be any cause for alarm if you’re in Historic Yorktown on September 9. Emergency vehicles and personnel will be on-site to educate and answer your questions about what it’s like being a first responder. While you’re there, be sure to express your gratitude to the firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, emergency communications dispatchers, and public works officials who protect our community.
You won’t want to miss the York County Fire & Life Safety’s fire truck and safe house, the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office’s patrol cars, crime prevention trailer, motorcycles, K-9 unit, and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Weapons Station Bomb Squad.
Watermen’s Museum Oyster Roast
Watermen’s Museum
Saturday, Sept. 9
12 to 3 p.m. $
Shell-ebrate your love for seafood during this annual fundraiser! Enjoy fresh-roasted or raw oysters from various local sources, regular and gluten-free clam chowder with or without bacon, hot dogs, sides, desserts from Carrot Tree, and more.
Get discounted tickets in advance (through the Watermen’s Museum gift shop or local partners) or buy your tickets at the gate on the date of the event. Call 757.887.2641 for more information.
Yorktown Art Stroll
Freight Shed & Riverwalk Landing
Sunday, Sept. 24
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See how creators master the art of their unique craft at the Yorktown Art Stroll. More than 35 artists will showcase their visual talents – from acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings to glass, photography, pottery, jewelry, and painted furniture. Hear acoustic harmony from Audio Portrait from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the Yorktown Arts Foundation and York County with support from the York County Arts Commission.
October
In Yorktown, October means more than just pumpkin picking, fall foliage, and bonfires. It’s a time to celebrate the invention of beer and wine, the love of a furry pet, and the birth of our nation.
Yorktown Wine Festival
Riverwalk Landing
Saturday, Oct. 7
12 to 6 p.m. $
You’ll be on cloud wine when you attend the Yorktown Wine Festival. Sample some of the state’s finest vino and take your palate on a trip around the world. Sip on irresistible Riesling from Austria, exquisite Gewürztraminers from Germany, and fine bubbly from France. This event features live music, great food from local restaurants, and the work of talented artists. In addition, taste some of Virginia’s finest spirits from local distilleries. Admission is $35 in advance, $40 after August 30 and at the door. Purchase your tickets here.
Yorktown Market Days – Fall Festival
Riverwalk Landing
Saturday, Oct. 14
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You “autumn” love what’s happening at this year’s Fall Festival. More than 40 vendors and artists will be selling seasonal favorites like pumpkins, mums, art, kettle corn, and pies. Kids of all ages can participate in a hayride, hay maze, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, face painting, or the Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin challenge. Throughout the day, guests can listen to music from Ben Herrick on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.
Yorktown Victory Celebration
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Wednesday, Oct. 14
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $
History lovers “musket” to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on October 14 for the 242nd anniversary celebration of the nation’s unforgettable 1781 Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown. Visitors can interact with war re-enactors who will fire artillery, teach about military life during colonial times, and perform music.
Yorktown Day
Victory Monument & Historical Main Street
Thursday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take a walk down victory lane on Yorktown Day! Commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America’s freedom. The day starts with a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will also perform. Be sure to stop by all of the town’s historic sites, such as the Nelson House, Yorktown Custom House, York County Historical Museum, Watermen’s Museum, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Yorktoberfest
Riverwalk Landing
Sunday, Oct. 22
12 to 5:30 pm. $
We bring hoppy hour to a whole new level! During this annual craft beer festival, get unlimited tastings of more than 40 beers and ciders from Coastal Virginia. Listen to live music from Lane Rice and purchase grub from food trucks DD214 Smokehouse, Don Chido, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, and Pop’s Kettle Corn. Tickets are $30 in advance. VIPs ($55 per person; $350 per table) gain access to the event an hour before it opens to the public. $10 tickets available for non-alcoholic beverages. Kids 10 and under are free. Hosted by the York County Chamber of Commerce. Rain date is November 5.
Yorktown Market Days – Paws at the River
Riverwalk Landing
Saturday, Oct. 28
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This pet-ticularly fluffy and adorable event brings awareness to animal rescue organizations and places adorable pets in their “furever” homes. Visitors will discover informational booths and educational opportunities and can purchase doggy delights from FiDough Homemade Dog Treats or at Gangsta Dog (located in Riverwalk Landing). Get a free photo with your furry friend from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then stick around for the annual Halloween Pet Costume Parade at 1 p.m. This trick-or-treating event features participating Yorktown businesses and rescue organizations. Acoustical guitarist Phil Poteat will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.
November
This Thanksgiving, Yorktown will give you a lot to be grateful for – three unique markets and an appetizing learning experience you won’t forget.
York County Vintage Market
McReynolds Athletic Complex
Saturday, Nov. 4
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you’re an antique lover, we’ve got a retro-lutionary event for you. Classic cars will line the streets and vendors will be selling restored furniture and collectibles, antiques, art, accessories, clothing, jewelry, unique home décor, and much, much more. Live entertainment and food trucks will also be there to add to the jovial ambiance.
Yorktown Market Days – Maritime Festival
Riverwalk Landing
Saturday, Nov. 11
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
H2-Oh what fun you’re going to have at the Maritime Festival! Visitors can sample some of the best seafood in the area, like oysters, clam chowder, Virginia blue crabs, and fried fish. Guests can also shop for nautical-inspired art and jewelry.
Pirates will invade the waterfront to talk to kids about seafaring life, and there will be educational information for mariners of all ages. Sing along to live sea shanties with the Clan McCool Band on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.
Yorktown Market Days – Harvest Festival
Riverwalk Landing
Saturday, Nov. 18
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get ready to gobble up some goodies for your Thanksgiving dinner. More than 50 vendors will participate in this special November market.
Our Harvest Festival is a family affair! Kids young and old will enjoy this autumn extravaganza, which features a live animal show, petting zoo, balloon art, inflatable axe throwing, and a pie eating contest. Vendors will be selling traditional Thanksgiving foods that you’ll need to make holiday staples like turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, cornbread, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Local jewelers, painters, and photographers will also be selling their holiday handiwork. Ralph Motley and the Last Minute Grass will perform bluegrass on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $
Feast your eyes on how colonists prepared meals and preserved food. This Thanksgiving weekend, explore the meals, flavors, and cooking techniques of the 17th and 18th century. Discover the cultural dishes of early Virginians to traditional foods during the Revolutionary War. Cooking presentations will take place throughout the day for demonstration purposes only.
TIP: We understand parking for these events can be tricky. Did you know Yorktown offers FREE PARKING? There are several lots located throughout Historic Yorktown, with the most coveted (and quickly snagged) spots inside the two-level parking terrace on Water Street. We suggest you consider parking on the outskirts of town, up at the Courthouse, or County Admin Building, and then riding the free Yorktown Trolley down the hill. The Trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and on Rhythms at the Riverwalk nights until 9 p.m. when you park behind York Hall, the York-Poquoson Courthouse, or the County Administration Building.
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